Bibi Sakina was the youngest daughter of Imam Husayn. She was a vivacious
child, full of love and happiness. Everyone loved Sakina. She was also a
very religious girl. She enjoyed reading the Holy Quraan and never missed
her prayers. From the age of two she took great care to make sure that her
head and face were properly covered when in public.

Sakina was Imam Husayn's most beloved child. Our Imam was often heard to say,
“A house without Sakina would not be worth living in!” She always had a sweet
and cheerful smile and a very friendly nature. Other children sought her company
as much as the grown ups did. She was very generous and always shared whatever
she had with others.

There was a special bond between Hazrat Abbas and Sakina. He loved her more than
he did his own children. If Sakina requested for anything, Abbas would not rest
until he satisfied her request. There was nothing that Abbas would not do to
make Sakina happy.

During the journey from Madina to Mecca and then Mecca to Karbala’, Abbas was
often seen riding up to the mehmil in which Sakina sat to make sure that she had
everything she wanted. Sakina loved her uncle just as much. While in Madina she
would, several times a day, visit the house in which Hazrat Abbas lived with his
family and his mother, Ummul Baneen.

Like any other four-five year old when Sakina went to bed at night she wanted to
spend some time with her father. Imam Husayn would tell her stories of the
prophets and of the battles fought by her grand-father Ali. She would rest her
head on her father's chest and Husayn would not move from her until she fell
asleep. When from the second of Muharram the armies of Yazid began to gather at
Karbala’, Husayn said to his sister Zainab, “The time has come for you to get
Sakina used to going to sleep without my being there!” Sakina would follow her
father at night and Husayn had to gently take her to Zainab or Rubaab.

At Karbala’ when from the seventh Muharram water became scarce Sakina shared
whatever little water she had with other children. When soon there was no water
at all, the thirsty children would look at Sakina hopefully, and because she
could not help them she would have tears in her eyes. Sakina's lips were parched
with thirst.

On the Ashura day, she gave her Mashk to Hazrat Abbas. He went to get water for
her. The children gathered round Sakina with their little cups, knowing that as
soon as Hazrat Abbas brought any water, Sakina would first make sure that they
had some before taking any herself. When Sakina saw Imam Husayn bringing the
blood drenched 'alam she knew that her uncle Abbas had been killed. From that
day on Sakina never complained of thirst.

Then came the time when the earth shook and Sakina became an orphan! But even
then she always thought of the others first. She would console her mother on the
death of Ali Asghar and when she saw any other lady or child weeping Sakina
would put her little arms around her.

Yes Sakina never again asked anyone for water. Bibi Zainab would persuade her to
take a few sips, but she herself would never ask for water or complain of
thirst!!!!

From the time when Imam Husayn fell in the battle field, Sakina forgot to
smile! Kufa saw her as a sombre little girl lost in thought. Quite often she
would sit up at night. When asked if she wanted anything, she would say, “I just
heard a baby cry? Is it Asghar? He must be calling out for me!”

Knowing that her weeping upset her mother, Sakina would cry silently and quickly
wipe away her tears! In the prison in Shaam she would stare at the flock of
birds flying to their nests at sunset and innocently ask Bibi Zainab, “Will
Sakina be going home like those birds flying to their homes?”

Then one dreadful night Sakina went to bed on the cold floor of the prison. For
a long time she stared into the darkness! The time for the morning prayers came.
Sakina was still lying with her eyes wide open. Her mother called out: “Wake up,
Sakina! Wake up, it is time for prayers, my child!” There was only the painful
silence! Our fourth Imam walked up to where Sakina lay. He put his hand on her
forehead. It was cold! He put his hand near the mouth and the nose. Sakina had
stopped breathing. In between sobs Imam Zain ul 'Abideen said: “inna
lil-Lahi wa inna ilay-hi raja’uun.”

How was Sakina buried? Zainab held the still child as Imam Zain ul 'Abideen dug
a grave in the cell. As the grave was being filled up after the burial the
mother let out a scream! How could anyone console Bibi Rubaab? What could they
say? They huddled around her, and the prison walls began to shake with the cry:“ya
Sakina, ya madhloomah!!”Bibi
Rubaab put her cheek on Sakina's grave and cried out: “Speak to me, Sakina! Only
a word, my child! Speak to me!!”

Dream of Sayyedah Sakinah, daughter of Imam
Husain (a.s)Extract from
The Journey of Tears
by BashirHassanaliRahim

Sayyedah Sakinah (a.s) relates, that on a Thursday I dreamt in Syria, then she
relates a lengthy dream and at it's conclusion, she says, that I saw a woman in
my dream seated on a Camel-litter with her hand upon her head. I inquired as to
who she was and was answered that, "She is Fatemah (a.s), the daughter of
Mohammad (s.a.w.s), the daughter of the Messenger of Allah, your grand-mother".
I told myself, "By Allah! I should go to her and relate to her all that they
have done to us", saying this I ran towards her. I sat in front of her and
started weeping, and then I said, "O dear Mother! They withheld our rights. O
dear Mother! They scattered our group. O dear Mother! They violated our
sanctity. O dear Mother! By Allah! They killed my father Husain (a.s)". She
replied, "O dear Sakinah! Remain silent, for it cuts my heart-vein. This is the
shirt of your father that I have preserved until I meet Allah alongwith it".

[1] There is no other Deity accept Allah (La Ilaha Illallah). [2] Allah is Great
(Allaho Akbar).

Shaikh Ibne Nima relates, that Sayyedah Sakinah (a.s) dreamt in Damascus that
five illuminated horses have come forth, and upon each one a honourable
personality is seated, while the Angels have surrounded them from all around, a
maid of paradise was also alongwith them. Those mounted proceeded further while
the maid came towards me and said, "Verily your grandfather has sent salutations
to you". I replied, "Salutations upon the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.s)! Who are
you?" She replied, "One of the maids of Paradise". I asked, "Who are these
people who have arrived here mounted upon the noble horses?" She replied, "They
are Adam (a.s), the One Chosen by Allah (Sifwatullah); the second one is
Ibraheem (a.s), the friend of Allah (Khaleelullah); the third one is Moosa (a.s),
the one who spoke to Allah (Kalimullah); the fourth one is Isa (a.s), the Spirit
of Allah". I asked, "Who is he who has held his beard in his hand and is falling
& rising?" She replied, "He is your grandfather, the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.s)".
I said, "Where are they going?" and she replied, "They are going towards your
father Husain (a.s)". I ran towards him to inform him as to how the oppressors
have treated us after his death. At that moment five illuminated camel-litters
arrived, and on each one a woman was seated. I asked, "Who are these women who
have just arrived?" They said, "The first one is Hawwa, the mother of mankind;
the second one is Asiyah, the daughter of Mazahim (and wife of Fir'aun); the
third one is Mariyam, the daughter of Imran (and mother of Prophet Isa); the
fourth one is Khadijah (a.s), the daughter of Khuwaylid; while the fifth one,
with her hand upon her head and is falling & rising, is none other than your
grand-mother Fatemah (a.s), the daughter of Mohammad (s.a.w.s), your father's
mother". I said, "By Allah! I should narrate to her as to how they treated us",
saying this I sat facing her and said, "O dear Mother! They withheld our rights.
O dear Mother! They scattered our group. O dear Mother! They violated our
sanctity. O dear Mother! By Allah! They killed my father Husain (a.s)". She (a.s)
replied, "O Sakinah! Remain silent. You have charred my liver and cut off the
joint of my heart. This is the shirt of your father Husain (a.s) that I have
preserved until I meet Allah alongwith it". Then I awoke from my sleep and
wished to conceal it, but then I narrated it to my intimate relatives and it
became renowned among men".(NAFASUL MAHMOOM)

Peace with
you, O portion of the liver of the one who was totally covered with
blood,

Peace with
you, O child of the one who was unjustly killed in Kerbala,

Peace with
you, O pampered one of al-Hussain the Martyr, with him be peace, Allah’s
mercy and blessings.

Peace with
you, O one brought up in the house of piety,

Peace with
you, O one born in the house of self-esteem,

Peace with
you, O small one of the Pillar of Guidance,

Peace with
you, O martyr of grieving and weeping,

Peace with
you, O one who was killed by patience at adversity,

Peace with
you, O one who much denounced and pleaded, Allah’s mercy and blessings.

Peace with
the weeping, complaining, mourning one,

Peace with
the wailing captive,

Peace with
the one orphaned while still a child,

Peace with
the one of the great grief at the loss of one who was affectionate and
merciful to her,

Peace with
the one of the grief-repressing heart,

Peace with
the one of the over-flowing tearful eyes,

With the
one having a moaning that tears the hearts apart

Due to the
successive of calamities,

Due to
what happened to her in the land of afflictions,

The mercy
of Allah and His blessings.

Peace with
the one who was pained and whipped,

Peace with
the one who kept bending on bodies which they killed,

Peace with
the one whom they prevented from wailing and cries,

Peace with
the captive severed from all ties,

Peace with
the wronged and afflicted one,

Peace with
the one whose condition was denouncing and wailing,

Peace with
the one who did not live long after the calamity,

Peace with
the one from whom the protector and guardian was absent, the mercy of
Allah and His blessings.

My
salutation goes to the one who was martyred in the supreme catastrophe,

I grieve
for the one whose tribulation is a great calamity,

When the
dark overwhelmed her, when she was lodged in the House of Ruin in the
Sham with her aunt who gathered the orphans around her, when wailers
took to silence, when the breaths of grief and wailing calmed down, when
they spent the night seeking the morn, so you, O Ruqayya, were
frightened in your sleep, and you took to wailing, complaining, mourning
your father with the most somber of words. When the sound reached the
cursed Yazid, he ordered to bring in the washbowl where the head of the
Martyr was placed. He hid his thoughts and what he wanted to do. He
started expressing elation at your calamity, showing such a great
injustice, with the intention to cut your heart to pieces by doing
something from which the stone and the iron crumbles: Grief cast its
shadow on the ladies who descended from Hashim on seeing the head of the
man of fervor and manliness. You kept looking at the Crown of the
dignified `Itra, and the sight shook you, O Ruqayya, as the blood
drenched his beard, as his lip was hard pressed with the iron rod, as
his cheeks were dried by thirst, as his eyes were affixed on the heavens
as he directed this address:

“O
Lord! I have abandoned all creation when I loved You…, orphaned my
children so I may see You; therefore, if You cut me to pieces while
loving You…, my heart will never prefer anyone over You.”

Peace with
the one whose condition cuts the hearts to pieces,

Peace with
the one who delivered the amazing speech in defense of the one whose
cheeks were ruffled with the dust, your father, the father of Abdullah,
al-Hussain, peace with him.

It was
then that you called out:

“O father!
Who drenched the virtuous beard with blood?

“Who
severed the holy neck?

“Who made
me an orphan though I am still a child?”

To you, O
Ruqayya, I express my puzzlement:

How can I
describe your whimper?

So peace
with the one who fell on the head of her father anxiously,

Peace with
the one whose feverish head was hugged,

Peace with
the one whose condition spoke for her,

Peace with
your ascending soul after you fell on the sacred head,

Peace with
your withering senses due to incessant walking,

Peace with
the soul that bade farewell to the sighing senses,

Peace with
the body the fractured soul of which departed,

Peace with
the one who caused women to weep

On account
of the horrific site of what they saw,

On account
of what happened to her and the woe,

When her
father’s head was brought to her…

Imam
Zainul-`Abidin peace with him said,

“Lift her,
for her soul has departed from this life…”

So they
lifted you, and you were dead…

Peace with
the one who intensified the calamity of Ahl al-Bayt.

Peace with
you, one with the self-esteemed soul,

Peace with
you, O captive descendant of al-Hussain,

Peace with
you, O daughter of the Muhammedi celestial lights,

Peace with
you, O branch of the Alawi Fatimi Tree,

O little
one of al-Hussain, O Ruqayya,

The mercy
of Allah and His blessings.

Our
calamities have been aggravated because of you,

O daughter
of al-Hussain,

Our eyes
are affixed on you with warm tears,

Colors of
our faces have been robbed by wailing,

Our hearts
have suffered due to the darts

Of the
hidden animosity of the oppressive Banu Umayyah,

Our souls
have gathered here in your presence

With
anxiety, affection, sighs and moaning,

The
Purified Ahl al-Bayt are they mourning,

Complaining about the anguish, the severity of grief, the hardship of
the pain,

The
strangulation of the separation,

The warmth
of the affection…

We plead
to Allah to compensate us for having lost you with abundance of rewards,
with the goodly Return to Him.

We plead
to Allah through the status which you enjoy with Him, O Sakina, through
the honor which is before you, through the place from which your lights
shine, that you will intercede on behalf of the lowly sinner, the
fugitive seeker of a safe haven, the heart-broken helpless supporter of
yourselves, the repentant lover of Ahl al-Bayt, who repents to Allah,
the all-Knowing, the all-Seeing, so he may attain, through you, O Ahl
al-Bayt, the perfect rewards of Ziyaras, so he may achieve success in
his Hereafter when his rewards are doubled and sins forgiven, surely my
Lord is most Gracious; surely He answers the pleas, expresses affection,
Merciful to you, O Ahl al-Bayt, and Kind.

Peace with
you, masters, the mercy of Allah and His blessings.

I testify
that you tolerated whatever afflicted you, that you are alive according
to the text of the Book (Qur’an), where the One Who is swift in
reckoning says, “And do not reckon those who are killed in the way of
Allah as dead. Nay! They are living with their Lord, receiving their
sustenance.”

O Allah!
Bless Muhammed and the Progeny of Muhammed!

Lord! I
plead to You through the medium of the great calamity and the momentous
affliction, to what went on in Kerbala, to bless Muhammed and the
Progeny of Muhammed, and to spare us the ills of everything that is
evil, to overlook our own injustices, to strengthen us so we may resist
the committing of what You abhor!

Lord! We
direct ourselves to You through the medium of the shock that killed
Ruqayya, the orphan, through the medium of the momentous calamity,
through the medium of the severe affliction, through the suffering of
the glorified `Itra, through the medium of Sakina’s pure soul,
persevering senses and generous tears, through her status with which
pleases You…, to fulfill our needs and those of believing men and women,
Allahomma Aameen.

[1] The five persons of
the Kisaa, the covering sheet, were: the Prophet of Allah (ص),
Fatima (ع) daughter of the Prophet (ص),
Commander of the Faithful Ali (ع),
al-Hassan and al-Hussain (ع), peace
and blessings of the Almighty with them all.

My Salutations to the little princess of Imam Hussain (AS)

My salam on you, O
Grand-daughter of Ali (A.S), Amir-ul-Momineen.

My salam on you, O
Grand-daughter of Bibi Fatima (A.S), The Radiant.

My salam on you, O
daughter of Hussain (A.S), Mazloom-e-Kaerbala.

My salam on you, O
niece of Abbas Alamdar (A.S).

My salam on you, O
niece of Bibi Zaynab (A.S).

My salam on you, O
sister of Ali (A.S), Zain-ul Abideen

My salam on you, O
noble one, from nobel linage.

My salam on you, O
pious, pure one.

My salam on you, O
young Mazloomah.

My salam on you, O who
suffered and was oppressed.

My salam on you, O who
was held captive.

My salam on you, O who
is buried far from home.

My salam on you, O who
never made it out of that desolate dungeon.

My salam on you, O
young Hashemite Princess (A.S).

My salam on you, O
Bibi Sakina-bint-Al Hussain (A.S).

My salams on you and
May Allah (SWT) grant you abundant peace and blessings.

Allah's (SWT) choicest
blessings be upon Mohammed and his holy progeny.

n the Arab
world, the youngest daughter of Imam Hussain(a.s.)(a.s.) is know as Bibi
Rukkaya(a.s.) whereas she is know as Bibi Sakina)(a.s.) in rest of the Islamic
World.
We will refer to her as Bibi Sakina(a.s.). Bibi Sakina (as) was the youngest
daughter of Imam Husayn (A.S). Sakina is a derivative of "Sakoon" meaning
"Peace". Imam Husayn (A.S) used to pray for a daughter in his night prayers
(Salatul Layl), a daughter who would give him peace, and Allah (SWT) granted him
his wish and blessed him with Bibi Sakina (AS). Bibi Sakina (as) was the most
Beloved Daughter of Imam Husayn (A.S) and She used to sleep on his chest most of
the nights. She was a lively child, full of love and happiness. Being the
Daughter of the Holy Imam (as), she was different from other children of her age
in many ways. She was very religious and enjoyed reading the Holy Quran and
never missed her Prayers. From a very early age, She took great care to make
sure that her head and face were properly covered when in public.

Imam Husayn (A.S) was often heard saying, "A house without Sakina (A.S) would
not be worth living in". She always had a sweet and cheerful smile and a very
friendly nature. Everyone loved Sakina (A.S). Other children sought her company
as much as the grown ups did. She was very generous and always shared whatever
she had with others. Like any other four-five year old, when Bibi Sakina (as)
went to bed at night she wanted to spend some time with her father. Imam Husayn
(A.S) would tell her stories of the Prophets (A.S) and of the battles fought by
her grandfather Imam Ali (A.S). She would rest her head on her Father's chest
and Imam Husayn (A.S) would not move from her until She fell asleep.

There was a special bond between Bibi Sakina (AS) and her paternal uncle, Hazrat
Abbas bin Imam Ali (A.S). He loved Her more than he did his own children. If
Sakina (AS) requested for anything, Hazrat Abbas (A.S) would not rest until he
fulfilled her request. There was nothing that Hazrat Abbas (A.S) would not do to
make Bibi Sakina (A.S) happy. During the journey from Madina to Mecca and then
Mecca to Kerbala, Hazrat Abbas (A.S) was often seen riding up to the mehmil (a
special saddle made for women) in which Bibi Sakina (A.S) sat to make sure that
She had everything She wanted. Bibi Sakina (as) loved Her uncle just as much.
While in Madina she would, several times a day, visit the house in which Hazrat
Abbas (as) lived with his family and his mother, Ummul-Baneen (A.S).

When from the 2nd of Muharram the armies of Yazid bin Muaweyah (L.A) began to
gather at Kerbala, Imam Husayn (A.S) said to his sister Lady Zaynab (A.S), "The
time has come for You to get Sakina used to going to sleep without my being
there". Bibi Sakina (A.S) would follow Her father at night and Imam
Husayn (A.S) had to gently take Her to Lady Zaynab (A.S) or Lady Rubaab (A.S)
(Bibi Sakina's mother). At Kerbala when from the 7th of Muharram water became
scarce, Bibi Sakina (A.S) shared whatever little water She had with other
children. When soon there was no water at all, the thirsty children would look
at Bibi Sakina (A.S) with their eyes full of hope, and because she could not
help them she would have tears in Her eyes. Bibi Sakina's (A.S) lips were
parched with thirst.

Several times Hazrat Abbas (AS) asked Imam Husayn (A.S) for permission to go and
fight the armies of Yazeed (L.A). Each time Imam Husayn (A.S) would reply
"Abbas, you are the captain of my army; you are my Alamdaar, (the standard
bearer)". Hazrat Abbas (A.S) would never argue with Imam Husayn (A.S). Just
then Bibi Sakina (AS) came out holding a dried up mashk (water-bag). The Little
Princess of the generous Imam leading 42 children, each with a dry water-bag.
The children were shouting as if in chorus - Thirst, consuming thirst, is
killing us. She walked up to Hazrat Abbas (A.S) and told Him that the children
had all come to Her asking for water. He could see that thirst, aggravated by
the scorching heat of the desert, was squeezing their young lives out of them.
Hazrat Abbas (A.S) went to Imam Husayn (A.S) and requested his permission to go
and get water for Bibi Sakina (A.S) and the other children. Imam Husayn
(as) then gave him permission. Hazrat Abbas (as) put Bibi Sakina's (A.S) mashk
on the Alam (Flag), mounted His horse and rode up to Imam Husayn (A.S).

Hazrat Abbas (AS) said "I have come to say goodbye". Imam Husayn (A.S) said "My
brother, come and embrace me". Hazrat Abbas (A.S) dismounted His horse. There
were tears in Imam's (A.S) eyes. As Hazrat Abbas (A.S) prepared to mount his
horse, Imam Husayn (A.S) said, "My brother, I want a gift from You. I want Your
sword". Hazrat Abbas (A.S), without uttering a word, gave His sword to Imam
Husayn (A.S) and rode into the battlefield, armed only with a spear and holding
the Alam. Each action of Imam (A.S) verified that He was not out there to
fight. When Hazrat Abbas (A.S) went to get the water, the children gathered
around Bibi Sakina (A.S) with their little cups, knowing that as soon as Hazrat
Abbas (A.S) would bring water, Bibi Sakina (A.S) would first make sure that they
had some before taking any herself.

Bibi Sakina (AS) was standing next to Imam Husayn (A.S), also with her eyes
fixed on the Alam of Hazrat Abbas (A.S). Hazrat Abbas (AS) reached the river
bank fighting Yazid's (L.A) men, trying to block his way, killing many with his
spear. Hazrat Abbas' (AS) bravery was well known among the Arabs and the Yazidi
troops started to flee in different directions. As He bent down to fill the
mashk, the Alam disappeared from sight. Bibi Sakina (A.S) was frightened and
looked at Her father. Imam Husayn (AS) said, Sakina (A.S), Your uncle Abbas is
at the river bank. Bibi Sakina (as) smiled and said, Alhamdulillah (all praise
is for Allah) and called out all the children to welcome Hazrat Abbas (as).

With the water-bag filled, Hazrat Abbas (AS) wanted to get the water to the
anxiously waiting children as quickly as possible. Seeing him gallop towards the
camp of Imam Husayn (AS), a Yazidi commander (L.A) shouted from the enemy ranks
that if even a single drop of water reaches Husayn's camp, it would be
impossible to fight them on the battlefield. When arrows were coming form all
sides, Hazrat Abbas (as) had only one thought on his mind, how to protect the
water-bag than his life. Hazrat Abbas (A.S) lost both His arms during the
attack, trying to save the water-bag. The Alam fell onto the ground. Bibi
Sakina (A.S) could not see it any longer. She looked at Imam Husayn (A.S), His
eyes were filled with
tears.

Bibi Sakina (A.S)
began to tremble with fear and her eyes also filled with tears. She raised her
hands and prayed, "Ya Allah! Do not let them kill My Uncle Abbas (A.S), I will
not ask for water again. She ran inside to her mother (A.S). When Bibi Sakina
(A.S) saw Imam Husayn (A.S) bringing the blood drenched Alam (Flag) she knew
that Her Uncle Abbas (A.S) had been martyred.

Then came the time when the earth shook and Bibi Sakina (A.S) became an orphan.
The tyrannical forces of Yazid (L.A) came to the tents. They looted all the
belongings of the Holy Ladies (A.S). They even snatched away the hijab of the
Holy ladies (A.S). Bibi Fatimah (A.S)'s daughters were left bare-headed. Shimr
(L.A), the most evil of Yazid's men, came too. Bibi Sakina (as) was crying for
Her father. Instead of comforting words, Shimr (L.A) slapped Bibi Sakina's (as)
face and pulled off Her earrings. Blood poured from little Sakina's ears.
Surely they would stop now. But they did not. One-by-one they set fire to the
tents. The helpless ladies and children ran from one tent to another. Little
Bibi Sakina's dress was on fire, her ears were bleeding. All Bibi Sakina (as)
wanted was her dear father. She ran to the battlefield screaming: "Father,
where are you? Father, father, speak to me father."

As the night descended, since Imam Ali bin Husayn (AS) also known as Zain-ul
Abideen (A.S), was not well due to his illness, Bibi Zaynab (A.S), the Daughter
of Imam Ali (A.S), took it on herself to protect the ladies and children. She
gathered all the ladies and children, in to one small space in between the
gutted tents. Imam Zain-ul Abideen (A.S) lay on the ground surrounded by these
widows and orphans. There was no fire, no light. Only the moon cast its dull
light. On the night of Ashura (also known as Sham e Ghreeban), when Imam Husayn
(A.S) and his companions were lying headless in the battlefield, back in the
tents, Bibi Zaynab (A.S) was gathering all the children and the ladies together.
She noticed that little Bibi Sakina (A.S) was missing. She asked Bibi Rubab
(A.S), but even She did not know where Bibi Sakina (A.S) was. The two Holy
ladies panicked and ran out of the tents looking for Her.

The two ladies searched everywhere for the young girl but in vain. Finally, in
desperation, Bibi Zaynab (A.S) went to the place where the body of Her brother
Imam Husayn (A.S) lay and cried, "O My Brother, Sakina, whom you left in my
care, is nowhere to be found. Where shall I look for her in this wilderness?"
Just then, the moon came out from behind a cloud and Bibi Zaynab (A.S) saw that
little Sakina (A.S) lay on her father, sleeping on His chest like She always
used to.

She shook the child awake and said, Oh, Sakina! How did you recognize your
father? A person can be recognized by their face or the clothes they wear. Your
father has neither. Bibi Sakina (A.S) replied innocently, I wanted to tell my
father about what the people had done to me. I wanted to tell him how Shimr
(L.A) had robbed the earrings that My Father had so lovingly given me. I wanted
to tell Him how he had ripped them from my ears leaving my earlobes torn and
bleeding. I wanted to tell Him how the beast had mercilessly slapped me when I
cried in pain. When I was running aimlessly in the desert I thought I heard My
Father's voice telling Me He was here. I followed the voice and I found Him
lying here. I told him everything and then I felt like sleeping on His chest the
way I always did, for the last time. So I kept my head on his chest and slept
till you came.

Umar Sa'ad (L.A)
asked Hur's widow to take some food and water to the ladies and the children. As
she neared to where they were resting, Bibi Zaynab (as) recognized her. She
stood up, went towards Hur's widow and offered her condolences for the martyrdom
of Hur. This gesture on the part of Bibi Zaynab (A.S), who had suffered so
much, lost so many, and carrying so much grief in her heart, is a lesson in real
Islamic manners which the world should never be allowed to forget. Hur bin
Reyahi (RA) was a general in Yazid's (L.A) army but left the Satanic camp and
joined Imam Husayn (AS). Hur (RA) had realised and accepted the holy status of
the Prophet's (SAWW) grandson.

Bibi Zaynab (A.S) took the jug of water. She went to Bibi Sakina (as) who had
fallen into a fretful sleep. Gently she stroked Bibi Sakina's (A.S) uncombed
hair. Bibi Sakina (A.S) opened her eyes. Bibi Zaynab (A.S) said, "Here is some
water Sakina, please drink a little. You have been thirsty for so long. On
hearing the word 'water' Sakina cried out hopefully, "has my uncle Abbas come
back?" When she was told that Hur's widow had brought the water, she got up,
went to Hur's widow, thanked her and then asked Bibi Zaynab (A.S), "Have you all
drank water?" Bibi Zainab (A.S) shook her head. Bibi Sakina (A.S) asked, "Why
then do you ask me to drink water?" Bibi Zaynab (A.S) said, "because, my dear,
you are the youngest". Bibi Sakina (A.S) replied, no, Asghar is the youngest.
Bibi Sakina (A.S) took the jug of water, ran towards where Asghar (A.S) lay
buried, crying "O Asghar, O Asghar." Ali Asghar (as) was Bibi Sakina's baby
brother. The Yazidees (LA) killed the six-month-old child with an arrow when
Imam Husayn (AS) requested them to give him some water as he was dying of
thirst.

This was how the homeless spent
their night at Kerbala. This was Sham-e-Ghareban, the night of the homeless.
They had lost everything. Their men had died. Their children had been killed.
In this desolate desert the fourth Imam, Imam Zain-ul Abideen (A.S), the women
and the remaining children are huddled where only a few hours earlier stood
their camps. Hazrat Abbas (A.S), Qasim (A.S) and Ali Akbar (A.S) had taken
turns to guard the camps. Now, the daughters of Imam Ali (A.S) and Bibi Fatimah
(A.S), Bibi Zaynab (A.S) and Bibi Kulthoom (A.S), lay awake to make sure that
Imam Zain-ul Abideen (A.S) and the children were not attacked.

The next day, the caravan of the unfortunate was made to start travelling
towards Kufa. Imam Zain-ul Abideen (A.S), frail with illness, was bound in
heavy chains and forced to walk barefooted as the ladies, including the
grand-daughters of the Prophet (pbuh&hp), were forced to sit on bare backs of
the camels and with their necks and hands tied tightly in ropes. The caravan
suffered the tortures of the journey and when they reached Kufa they were forced
to march through public roads and through the streets of Kufa. Suddenly the
camel on which the Holy Daughter of Imam Husayn (A.S), Bibi Sakina (A.S) and the
Holy Sister of Imam Husayn (A.S) , Bibi Zaynab (A.S) were seated, stopped near a
house. Bibi Zaynab's (as)'s eyes fell on Bibi Sakina (A.S) and immediately knew
that she had something to say. She asked her and Bibi Sakina (A.S) answered, I
am about to say something, I know my Dear Aunt, that at this moment it is
impossible for You to fulfil it. When Bibi Zaynab (A.S) insisted, Bibi Sakina
(as) replied, O my Dear Aunt, My throat is so dry I do not think I can endure My
thirst anymore. Bibi Sakina's (as) words were heard by the women who were on the
top of the houses so that they could see the Holy caravan march clearly. Among
these women, a good-hearted lady immediately got up from the crowd and rushed
home to bring water for Bibi Sakina (A.S).

But when she came
near the camel and near Bibi Zaynab (A.S), she asked for a favour in return and
said to Bibi Zaynab (A.S) that when this thirsty child has tasted this water I
want her to Pray for me. On hearing this Bibi Zaynab (A.S) prevented Bibi Sakina
(A.S) from tasting the water and said to her, "My dear Sakina, first fulfil this
lady's request." Bibi Zaynab (A.S) asked the lady what Bibi Sakina (A.S) should
Pray for and she answered that, "my first wish is that may my children should
never be orphans like YOU. Please pray for me oh my dear child , I see that you
are an orphan and I am aware of that God always listens to the Prayer of an
orphan." Bibi Sakina (A.S) raised her little hands and prayed for the lady.

Then Bibi Zaynab (A.S) asked her about her second wish? The lady answered, "my
second desire is that I wish to visit Madina, please Pray for me that God will
give me the opportunity to visit the Holy city." On hearing the name of Madina,
Bibi Zaynab (A.S) asked the lady why she wanted to go to Madina. She answered,
"Because it is my wish to visit the Holy prophet's (P.B.U.H&F) grave and I would
also like to meet my Holy lady Bibi Fatimah (A.S). Bibi Zaynab (A.S) replied,
"But don't you know Bibi Fatimah (A.S) is no longer alive?" So what, the lady
said, "I have also served her Holy Daughters Bibi Zaynab (A.S) and Bibi Umm-e
Kulthom (A.S). I will go to Madina to have my last chance to have the honour to
meet them." Now Bibi Zaynab (A.S) asked her one final question. "Dear Momina,
if you would see your Lady Zaynab (A.S) would you recognize her?" She
immediately answered, Of course I would. Bibi Zaynab (A.S) removed her hair from
the face and cried, Then your prayer has been answered, behold Umm-e Habiba,
it's me Zaynab (A.S), then why don't you recognize me, don't you recognize us
all?

Umm-e Habiba
began to cry and said, Oh God, what crime have they committed so that they are
being tortured this brutally? Bibi Zaynab (A.S) continued, We are the children
of the Holy prophet (P.B.U.H&F), your Master Imam Husayn (A.S) has been martyred
along with His devotees and left unburied on the burning sand in Karbala, Their
heads have been taken and raised on the lances . Look ahead Umm-e Habiba, your
Master's head is in front of you, the head whose lips are reciting the Holy
Qur'an. From the time when Imam Husayn (A.S) fell in the battle field, Bibi
Sakina (as) forgot to smile. Kufa saw her as a sober little girl lost in
thought. Quite often She would sit up at night. When asked if She wanted
anything, She would say, "I just heard a baby cry? Is it Asghar? He must be
calling out for Me.

From Kufa, the next
phase of the journey started for the Holy prisoners. This journey was to take
them to Damascus, in Syria, which was the capital of Yazid (L.A). Bibi Sakina (A.S)
was tied with a rope, on a bare camel. At one point in the journey, Bibi Sakina
(A.S) fell from Her camel. The caravan didn't stop. No one, apart from the
Holy prisoners (A.S), noticed the fall of this little princess (A.S). After
this incidence, the wretched army changed the formation of the Holy prisoners (A.S).
Imam Zain-ul Abideen (A.S), was already tied with chains in His (A.S) neck and
feet, The wretched army tied His (A.S) son, Imam Mohammed Baqir (A.S)- the
fifth Imam, on Imam Zain-ul Abideen's (A.S) back and then the same rope was tied
on His Sister, Bibi Sakina's (A.S) neck, so that Imam Zain-ul Abideen (A.S)
could not stand straight. If he did stand straight, the rope used to get tight
and strangle Bibi Sakina (A.S).

Even at these times of hardship and misery, Imam Husayn (as)'s little princess
always thought of the others first. She would console Her mother on the death of
Ali Asghar (A.S) and when She saw any other lady or child weeping, Bibi Sakina
(as) would put Her little arms around Her. In those days, it used to take thirty
two days, on a camel, to reach Damascus, but this Holy Family (A.S) was taken in
such a way that it only took them sixteen days to reach Damascus. After the
tragedy of Kerbala, sixteen days of suffering the miseries, the tortures and
calamities for the Ahl-e-Bait - Prophet's Family (A.S), they reached Damascus.
When Yazid (L.A) heard the news of the caravan reaching the outskirts of
Damascus, he ordered them to stop, while he and the people of Damascus prepared
for celebrations and jubilations. This caravan of Holy prisoners was made to
wait out side Damascus for four days.

Someone asked Imam Zain-ul Abideen (A.S), after the Holy Family (A.S) was
released from the Zindan-e-Sham (Dungeons of Syria), as to what was the hardest
part in that whole period, and Imam (A.S) had replied that the
hardest part was the time when the Holy Family (A.S) was made to stop outside
Damascus for four days. They were treated like animals, with Their hands tied;
and no food or water was given. Then They are asked to enter the city, the Holy
Ladies (A.S) were forced to pass through the bazaar without Their hijab (veils),
while the locals were cheering and singing, finally They reached
the court of Yazid (L.A).

The Holy Family of Imam Husayn (A.S) was now facing Yazid (L.A). They were
acting with patience on his actions as it was Imam Husayn's (A.S) will that They
should do so. Every lady, every child was standing in front of Yazid (L.A) tied
in ropes and with no veils and Imam Zain-ul Abideen (A.S) bound in heavy
chains. The shocking scene is that the evil Yazid (L.A) is drinking wine and
in front of him in a tray is the severed head of Imam Husayn (A.S) and Yazid
(L.A) is hitting the mouth and teeth of the Holy Imam with a stick. Suddenly
Yazid's eyes fell on the four year old girl who was standing with Her one hand
on her face and the other hand on Her neck. Yazid (L.A) asks his men who this
child is and gets the answer that this is the most beloved daughter of Imam
Husayn (A.S), Bibi Sakina (A.S), and it is known that Bibi Sakina (A.S) never
fell to sleep until she laid Her head on her Father's chest. Is that true?
Yazid (L.A) said and ordered to talk to Her and when Bibi Sakina (A.S)
approached Yazid (L.A), he wanted to test this love of Her father Imam
Husayn (A.S) in front of hundreds of courtiers.

Yazid (L.A) said to Bibi Sakina (A.S), if that is true what I have just heard
then try to call upon Your Father and we'll see if Your Father's head will come
to Your lap. Bibi Sakina (A.S)
raised Her little hands and Prayed to God and then turned Herself towards the
Head of Her Holy Father (A.S) and said with tears flowing from Her eyes, O My
Dear Father, please come to Your Daughter. This evil Yazid (LA) is putting Our
love to the test. At once the Severed Head of Imam Husayn (A.S) rose from the
tray and came miraculously to Bibi Sakina (A.S) who started to kiss Her Father's
Holy Head and rubbed Her Face to Her Father's Face.

Yazid's (L.A) servants, by the
order of their master, placed the Holy prisoners in a dark and unclean prison
room. After being released, when Imam Zain-ul Abideen (A.S) reached Madina,
people asked him about this jail room. Imam (A.S) said, It was a very old and
unclean house, even the ceiling had fallen down. And since it had no ceiling,
the holy Ahl-e-Bait (A.S) were unwrapped to the heat and cold. After so many
trials and humiliations with the Ahl-e-Bait (A.S), Yazid continued with his
terror and then put the Ahl-e-Bait (A.S) in prison in a dark underground cell
and gave them so little food that was barely enough for every one. In this
prison the Little Princess Sakina (as) had troubles to go to sleep every night
as She missed Her Father Imam Husayn (A.S). Bibi Zaynab (A.S) used to try to
console Bibi Sakina (A.S) that She would soon meet Her Father and with these
words tried to make Her go to sleep.

Knowing that Her
weeping upsets Her Mother, Bibi Sakina (A.S) would cry silently and quickly wipe
away Her tears. In the prison, at Syria, She (A.S) would stare at the flock of
birds flying to their nests at sunset and innocently ask Bibi Zaynab (A.S), When
will Sakina be going home like those birds flying to their homes? One night
Bibi Sakina (A.S) was asleep and She suddenly woke up crying and started to look
for Her Father everywhere. All the Holy ladies tried to console Her so She would
stop crying but She didn't get any peace and continued crying, O My Dear Aunt ,
where is My Father? A few minutes ago I was with My Father and He kissed Me and
said to Me "O My Dear Sakina, You will soon be with Me. But where is My Father
now?

When Bibi Sakina told
Her dream, all the Holy Ladies (A.S) started to cry. This noise of crying was
heard by Yazid (L.A) at his court. Yazid (L.A) sent a servant to ask why the
Little Princess (A.S) was crying. The servant was informed that Bibi Sakina
(A.S) missed Her Father and that is why She was crying. They informed Yazid
(L.A) of the situation, and Yazid (L.A), for his sadistic pleasure, sent the
Severed Head of Imam Husayn (A.S) to the prison. When Bibi Sakina (A.S) received
the Head of Her Father, She started to cry even more and held it very tight and
asked Her Father, "Who cut off My Father's Head? Who Martyred My Father? Why
are We held as captives? With these words of sorrow suddenly Bibi Sakina (A.S)
was quiet and there was a silence in the cell. Everyone thought that Bibi Sakina
(A.S) had finally gone to sleep again but this was not a temporary sleep, Bibi
Sakina (A.S) had now gone into a permanent sleep to meet Her Holy Father. Bibi
Zaynab (A.S) summoned Imam Zain-ul Abideen (A.S) to check the status of Bibi
Sakina (as) as they thought she had fallen unconscious. When Imam (A.S) went
over to check on His Sister (A.S), He noticed She (as) had stopped breathing.
All the Bibis (A.S) were crying standing around Bibi Sakina (A.S).

Bibi Sakina (A.S)
was buried in the same dungeon. Bibi Zaynab (A.S.) held the still child as Imam
Zain-ul Abideen (A.S) dug a grave for His Sister in the dungeon. Her (A.S)
clothes were burnt in Kerbala, and due to injuries, had intermingled with Her
flesh. Therefore, She was buried in the same burnt, ripped clothes right there
in he Dungeon of Syria (Zindan-e-Shaam.) As the grave was being filled up after
the burial, the mother let out a scream. All the ladies huddled around her, and
the prison walls began to shake with the cry, Ya Bibi Sakina (A.S), Ya Mazloomah.
(O Sakina! O Oppressed one!) When the time came and they were released from the
prison, Bibi Rubaab (A.S) came to the grave of her beloved daughter (A.S), put
her cheek on Bibi Sakina (A.S)'s grave and cried out, Speak to me Sakina. Only
a word, my child, speak to me.

Bibi Sakina
(A.S)'s body was removed from its original burial place, Dungeon of Syria, some
centuries later, when a pious man of Damascus was informed in his dream that
water was pouring into the grave of this Young Hashemite Princess (A.S). Upon
confirmation that ground water was actually entering the grave, Bibi Sakina
(A.S)'s body was buried in a new Shrine near Yazeed's palace, where She (as)
rests till today. Her (as) body was in the condition that if She had been buried
the same day.

It was Her Father
Imam Husayn (A.S) who was brutally killed in Kerbala. It was Her Baby Brother
Ali Asghar (A.S) who had an arrow shot through His neck. It was Her Beloved
Uncle Abbas (A.S) that had both His arms cut off. It was She who spent Her last
days in a dungeon. The Little Princess of Imam Husayn (A.S). The only person to
never make it out of that desolate dungeon. She was Bibi Sakina (A.S), the Young
Hashemite Princess.